Paris? New York? Rome? Nope, two of the hottest destinations for 2013 are none other than Christchurch, New Zealand and Hobart, Australia.
Travel publisher Lonely Planet has named the southern cities as two of the world’s top destinations for next year in its Best in Travel 2013 book. The guide is a collection of the best places to go and things to do around the world for travellers looking for the next big-thing in travel (Londonderry in Northern Ireland is on the list too).
The guide praises Christchurch’s “breathtaking mix of spirit, determination and flair” while Hobart is an “historic city reinventing itself”.
Following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, the recommendation from Lonely Planet couldn’t come at a better time for the people of Christchurch.
Tim Hunter, chief executive of Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism, says being named on the 2013 list could make a huge difference to region’s recovering tourism industry.
“To have such a respected world-wide publication single out Christchurch as an exciting, vibrant place to visit is an incredible boost for our city.”
Tony Mayell, CEO of Tourism Tasmania, says Hobart being named one of the top 10 cities by Lonely Planet is a great accolade.
“Hobart has flown under the radar for a while, so it’s pleasing to see the city finally getting the global recognition it deserves,” he says.
CHRISTCHURCH
Home to a population of 380,000, New Zealand’s second-largest city is bouncing back with a new energy and inventiveness (and a quirky campaign by Mayor Bob Parker and his bumbling assistant Keith!).
CBD
Foodies are in for a real treat with a variety of tasty delights on offer from Burmese to Turkish cuisine and culture is alive and well as pop-up music venues and innovative artworks can be found across the city. The cityscape has been given an intriguing makeover thanks to the introduction of dozens of shipping containers that have been transformed into everything from bars to shops, fashion boutiques to temporary housing.
The People
The resilience and determination of the Canterburian people may have been shaken, but you can expect a warm and friendly welcome from the locals and a rejuvenated community spirit.
Festivals
The World Buskers Festival takes over Christchurch in mid to late January with entertainers from across the globe converging on the city’s streets. Known as the Garden City, Christchurch comes into full bloom with the Festival of Flowers and Ellerslie Flower Show in February and March and in November, the NZ Cup and Show Week includes the NZ Cup horse race, complete with best-dressed fashion competitions and the A&P (Agricultural & Pastoral) Show.
Surrounds
Lonely Planet points out that the nearby travel hotspots of Akaroa, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura, Mt Hutt and the Southern Alps remain largely untouched by the quakes and are fantastic for side-trips from Christchurch.
HOBART
Australia’s second-oldest city is steeped in history (not always a pleasant one) and until recently held a rather sleepy reputation. Founded as a prison colony in 1804, Hobart, on the island of Tasmania, is home to just over 200,000 people and is renowned for its natural beauty.
Culture
The recent arrival of the world-class MONA art museum (main image by Tourism Tasmania) has seen hip tourists flocking to what would once be a very unlikely destination. Australia’s largest private art museum, MONA houses an impressive collection worth $150 million. While you’re soaking up the artistic atmosphere hire one of the free Artbikes and take a self-guided tour of Hobart’s best galleries.
Eat
A focus on fresh, organic and local ingredients is emerging, boutique microbreweries are on the rise, and Salamanca Market and Farm Gate Market continue to show off regional produce making Hobart a real gastronomical delight.
Festivals
MONA FOMA music and arts festival in January brings world class performers to the city and in March the biannual Ten Days on the Island festival draws talent from the world of dance, theatre, installation and literature.
If you’re into the world of sailing the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race takes place in December with celebrations last for days and from December to January the city’s waterfront becomes the focus of the popular Taste Festival.
